Middle school students (6th – 8th grade) are at an important development stage where they are learning how to conduct advanced information seeking assignments. These students are being introduced to the vast array of sources and methods of retrieving information via online search engines and databases.

From my research I have found that many middle school students have a difficult time finding relevant and comprehensible information when using Internet search engines. Even if they are able to find relevant and comprehensible information they will still need the skills to organize, evaluate and use it correctly.

To aid in information problem-solving activities, I have created GopherInfo.com, a web-based application with tools that students can use to find, sort, organize and evaluate information they find through online search engines. By evaluating content through an online collaborative and peer mentoring environment, students can better understand and benefit from the overwhelming amount of information on the Internet.

Visit  www.gopherinfo.com

Full documentation: http://www.debradesign.com/thesis